If you, like me, have ADHD, traditional yearly goal setting probably feels like a cruel joke. Set a goal in January? Forget about it by March. Revisit it in December? Don't be ridiculous.
That’s why I was interested in the idea of The 12 Week Year, a book by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. The idea is simple but brilliant: ditch the year. Treat every 12 weeks like its own mini-year. You set 1-3 meaningful goals, break them into weekly actions, and sprint toward the finish line. No more dragging out goals over 365 days and praying you stay motivated.
To give you an insight into my world: my partner takes 12 weeks to research and buy a new phone. They'll make spreadsheets, compare camera specs, read every review, and still be undecided. Meanwhile, I’ve impulse-bought a phone case and screen protector for a phone I don’t even own yet.
He is cautious. I am chaotic. Somehow, it works.
But in terms of productivity? I need speed, urgency, and a deadline that doesn’t feel like it’s happening in another lifetime.
Why It Works So Well for ADHD Brains
1. Deadlines that don’t feel imaginary
“I’ll do it this year” = code for “I’ll panic in November.”
But 12 weeks? That’s now. That’s real.
2. Weekly wins = dopamine boost
Every week you get to score your progress. It’s like giving your brain a gold star. My brain loves gold stars.
3. It resets before boredom kicks in
New 12-week cycle = new goals, new energy. You can start a new life-changing habit every 3 months.
4. It’s basically a game
Scoring yourself each week makes it feel like you’re levelling up. I would 100% recommend for achievement chasers.
What Can You Use It For?
Pretty much anything. But here’s one current example: Work Projects
Got:
A website to relaunch?
A new workshop to develop?
A job you’re lowkey ignoring?
Pick one focus. Break it into milestones. Devour it in 12 weeks like the productivity beast you are.
How to Start Your First 12-Week Year
1. Choose 1-3 clear, meaningful goals.
2. Break each into weekly actions.
3. Track your weekly progress with a score (aim for 85%).
4. Review weekly, correct if needed.
5. At the end of 12 weeks, CELEBRATE like you just finished a real year.
Final Thoughts
In a world obsessed with planning years ahead, the 12 Week Year is a rebellious alternative. It’s short. Focused. Urgent. And for those of us who thrive in fast, intense bursts of hyperfocus like me - it works.
Worst-case? By the time your partner finally decides on that new phone, you’ll have hit three goals, launched a project, and maybe cycled a half-marathon on your pink bike.
Not that it’s a competition. (But it kindof is)
If you want help developing your own 12-Week Year or support in developing new strategies to help manage your ADHD and harness creativity, then get in touch.
12 Week Year update: My workshop development goal is nearly achieved. I'll be launching: Go Private With Confidence: Starting Strong in Private Practice in the next couple of week. Thank you, 12-Week Year for making me do it!